Randy said: In fact, if one types the keywords “zombie apocalypse tribulation youtube” into Google…You can see that more than one person…NOT related to each other…is presenting videos of the Zombie Apocalypse and the tribulation…and they are ALL Christian.

Look Randy, everyone knows you are yanking our chain…More than one person out of several million_. Randy you have a way with words

You are a marketer.

Peace.

Yes, Chad. I am both a technologist and a marketer. But am I “pulling your chain?” If one can speak relatively good French. And made an extended trip to Haiti. They could track down the voodoo priests and priestess, and find the zombies for themselves. Or, if they are unlucky - they could become one themselves.

Or one can go to Amazon and order books like Beyond The Lodge of The Sun and Kindling the Native Spirit. And they can see them talk about things, like being in 2 places at once, shape shifting into animals, turning invisible or astral travel. And these are REAL natives. Talking as if these stuff is common, to Native traditions around the world.

And one can see similar things, from a yoga perspective. In books on Amazon, like The Incredible Life of a Himalayan Yogi: The Times, Teachings and Life of Living Shiva: Baba Lokenath Brahmach or This House Is On Fire: The Life of Shri Dhyanyogi. And yes. I spent time with the authors of both books. And the subject of the last one.

And one can see the same thing, in the lives of Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic saints. And my Protestant mom, now deceased - was born with the gift of prophesy. And I hung out with Native American, medicine men and women for years…Under the umbrella of the Two Feathers Medicine Clan.

So, I’m NOT yanking your chain, on whether supernatural elements exist or not. And I don’t believe that the Devil, is some kind of “cosmic God” - everywhere present and all powerful - causing these things.

As far as specific questions on the tribulation and the Zombie Apocalypse…I’ll give you my standard CIA answer.

However, if we throw out the historical creeds…and what the church fathers and reformers have to contribute…Then ANYTHING here is EQUALLY plausable, from a theological and philosophical standpoint.

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Hamlet

For the record…I don’t try to “sell” the tribulation and the Zombie Apocalypse…as the most probable, end times tribulation model. But if someone is trying to “sell” me, something outside the historical creeds and collective, statistical theological consensus. Or some type of super political viewpoint or solution. Then I feel it’s also OK, to bring up this subject matter. After all. It’s within the scope of possibility. And I want the “truth to be known”, as Fox Mulder of the X-Files - might say.

But if someone is trying to “sell” me, something outside the historical creeds and collective, statistical theological consensus. Or some type of super political viewpoint or solution.

Holy-Fool-P-Zombie:

Then I feel it’s also OK, to bring up this subject matter

So, any discussion outside historical creeds and mainline theology - you feel free to stifle with some ZA nonsense? You have that need to control what you don’t agree with? To put a stop to it? To effectively and unilaterally change the course of the conversation?
Ego, much? Disdain for the opinions of others, much?
I think you’ve weaponized the poor zombie.
I am the posterboy for anti-creed talk - though to be fair, I gave actual reasons why I disagree with much of them - and ‘super political’ talk - though to be fair, I tried to give actual reasons for being fair-minded about Trump and waiting to see what he actually DOES.
Just sayin’

So, any discussion outside historical creeds and mainline theology - you feel free to stifle with some ZA nonsense? You have that need to control what you don’t agree with? To put a stop to it? To effectively and unilaterally change the course of the conversation?

Ego, much? Disdain for the opinions of others, much?

I think you’ve weaponized the poor zombie.

I am the posterboy for anti-creed talk - though to be fair, I gave actual reasons why I disagree with much of them - and ‘super political’ talk - though to be fair, I tried to give actual reasons for being fair-minded about Trump and waiting to see what he actually DOES.

Just sayin’

I’m just saying I have my views. Which is that the Zombie Apocalypse, is the most probable - end times, tribulation model. But I also believe in restraint. Unless it is open season, regarding ANY theological and philosophical topic.

After all, we either have HEARD or KNOW, what the Orthodox positions are. But the UNORTHODOX positions - must ALSO be represented.

I’m just saying I won’t cast the first stone. After all. I’m sure zombies have feelings too.

So let me paraphrase Jesus. He who is without sin, let him or her - present an unorthodox position first. If nothing else, it breaks the ground - for the zombies to present their viewpoint.

I find your views to be intelligent and fair and I’m glad you are a prominent member of the forum. I do find the ZA intrusions, used as a means for stifling the views of others, to be a pita.
But then, I’m sure that I in my entirety am considered a pita by some…

I find your views to be intelligent and fair and I’m glad you are a prominent member of the forum. I do find the ZA intrusions, used as a means for stifling the views of others, to be a pita.

But then, I’m sure that I in my entirety am considered a pita by some…

No, Dave. I don’t use zombies, to stifle the views of others. I respect unorthodox views. After all, I’m a member of the Theosophical Society in America. And I been to tons, of their guest speakers - presenting unorthodox views.

But I also think, my zombie viewpoint deserves EQUAL consideration. But if others present their unorthodox views first…then it’s usually an opening, to see how the zombies - do or don’t fit in - with their perspective. Or if some political element, might trigger the Zombie Apocalypse

If I listen to their viewpoints and arguments…then they should also listen to - and consider mine. What’s so MIND BOGGLING about zombies anyway? Philosophers find them, a favorite topic of conversation. It’s like we are sipping tea, in a Zen temple. And seeing how ONE unorthodox viewpoint, might relate to - contrast with - or trigger…another unorthodox viewpoint.

Well, as you’ve mentioned a few times, the ZA is an end-times tribulation model.
As such, I don’t how it fits in any thread that is trying to present a view not even related to end times.
I think we have an eschatology department on the forum - would it not make most sense to post ZA (Apocalypse!!!) in THAT department, rather than in threads dealing with, say, When God Became King?
(Theosophy - a major theme in the cult classic novel “LIttle, Big” by John Crowley.

Well, as you’ve mentioned a few times, the ZA is an end-times tribulation model.

As such, I don’t how it fits in any thread that is trying to present a view not even related to end times.

I think we have an eschatology department on the forum - would it not make most sense to post ZA (Apocalypse!!!) in THAT department, rather than in threads dealing with, say, When God Became King?

(Theosophy - a major theme in the cult classic novel “LIttle, Big” by John Crowley.

If I recall correctly, Chad brought up the topic of everything being complete - in Christ. You said you wouldn’t follow the shinning object. I said I would, if a few zombies could tag along.

In other words, do we view a completion prophesy perspective of Chad …and Christians seeing zombies in the tribulation - as forward or backwards looking in time?

Then Davo began a “dialogue”. And he and I continued the dialogue - for a spell. That’s how I remember and see things - via this thread. And I continued later, the “dialogue” with Chad…and now you.

As far as Theosophy goes, I’m a member chiefly for using - their extensive library resources. But I also agree, with their 3 general objects. But I don’t side with theosophical or esoteric views - as such. Here are their Three Objects:

To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color.
To encourage the comparative study of religion, philosophy and science.
To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in humanity.

These three Objects form the foundation for the work of the Theosophical Society (TS). However, they can be interpreted on many levels.

But questions can be raised, via this “dialogue”…Deep ones, mind you. Like:

But any book of Revelations, as a prophesy being complete in 70 A.D. - raises many open questions. Like my Protestant mom, now deceased at 92.5. years…was born with the gift of prophesy. WHY?

Is prophesy still alive and well, in Christians and the church today? We have the Marian prophesies, of the Roman Catholic Church. And the prophesies coming from church members, of the Charismatic movement.

If different Christians see the Zombie Apocalypse, as happening during the tribulation…how does this fit, into a 70 A.D. everything is complete model? Do you just IGNORE it, because it doesn’t fit your model? Or say it’s un-biblical, when it doesn’t really CONTRADICT, anything - in the book of Revelations?

Etc.

I might have to break, for a few hours. So we can continue any “dialogue” later.

Those are all good questions with which I have no problem at all.Alas, like most of us, I don’t have unlimited time to go down every rabbit-hole that comes along (I like going down the rabbit-holes, don’t get me wrong), so some themes that I find interesting I have to leave alone in order to pursue what are for me, more pressing claims to what mental time I have.
I’m just saying - all things in their place.

Cool. Le’t’s stop the “dialogue” for a spell, and give folks a change - to savor the exchange. In the meantime, perhaps folks can read this (I assume, excellent book) of N.T. Wright. Or at least read the reviews on Amazon. And get a copy free, via their local - public library…inter library loan program. Good for the U.S. And the equivalent in other countries.

Randy, the exchange is quite straightforward. Dave asked davo and MM about the inherent coincidence between a given idea “in the quote he shared” that was put forth in the text involved. Both davo and MM (me) gave a response.

You seem to have a ongoing problem with this view, which I have no problem with, but it is just an opinion. Your zombie idea is from my point of view well considered. And also just an opinion.

Randy, the exchange is quite straightforward. Dave asked davo and MM about the inherent coincidence between a given idea “in the quote he shared” that was put forth in the text involved. Both davo and MM (me) gave a response.

You seem to have a ongoing problem with this view, which I have no problem with, but it is just an opinion. Your zombie idea is from my point of view well considered. And also just an opinion.

Peace bro

Hi Chad. The different between you, Davo and myself - is Sola Scrpitura. Which means you try to understand Christian truth, from the Protestant text alone. Which many here do. But I get Christian truth from Prima Scriptura and Sacred Tradition as the lens - to understand Holy Scripture. So right of the bat, we would have a difference of approaches.

As far as Zombies goes, I believe the Zombie Apocalypse, tribulation prophesies - are real. But that doesn’t necessarily mean, we understand them literally. Or if they are literal, that they are cast in concrete. Much might depend collectively on us.

It will never be settled, Because it’s NOT settled between Protestants vs Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox. So if I don’t buy into Sola Scrpitura, how would we ever - get off the ground?

My understanding is that you where the sola scripituria guy, but in understanding, you where the orthodox RC guy, so yes we can settle this between the protestants and the Catholics / orthodox Christians.

My understanding is that you where the sola scripituria guy, but in understanding, you where the orthodox RC guy, so yes we can settle this between the protestants and the Catholics / orthodox Christian

No. I shy away from RC theology. But embrace elements of EO theology. See Anglo-Orthodoxy.

Unlike the Roman Catholic church which maintains that interpretive authority is the prerogative of the church’s Magisterium, Orthodoxy holds that interpretive authority belongs to the church in its historical entirety. This is the “conscience” of the church or “Holy Tradition” which includes, first and foremost, the Scriptures, then the seven ecumenical councils, the writings of the Fathers, the canons of the church, the liturgy, iconography, etc. Whereas the Roman Catholic Church tends to view Scripture and Tradition as separate sources of revelation (two source theory), Orthodoxy sees Tradition as an organic whole (one source theory) which includes Scripture. Tradition, then, functions as the hermeneutical lens through which we understand the Bible. It is a safeguard against the kind of free-for-all interpretation that permeates many mainline churches today. When approaching Scripture, it is better to trust the collective wisdom of the ages than the myopic vision of contemporary individuals or groups.

One cannot help but to hear, in all of this, echoes of historical Anglican theology which organically unites “Scripture, Tradition, and Reason” over against the tendentious voices of modern Biblical revisionism. And let us not forget the Oxford Movement which appealed to the Vincentian canon (from Vincent of Lerins, c. 434) as a criterion for interpreting Scripture in matters of essential faith and practice: Faced with numerous conflicting interpretations, we hold fast to that which has been “believed everywhere, always, by all” (often summed up in the formula, “universality, antiquity, consent”).

No, it won’t be settled. WHY, you may ask? Because I am a professional researcher. Having done that for decades, in academia and work. And can bring to the table, all the professional arguments - that the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox theologians can bring up. And what arguments - the Protestants muster up.

But - more importantly…I have a unique style. Which uses psychological principles (after all, I have a graduate degree in the area)…If I study a person’s answers, I can usually predict how they respond.

And I don’t always engage, in an academic format. It’s actually a cross between academic, Socratic (asking the right questions), marketing (usually using direct response, copywriting principles) and stand up comedy.

It may never be settled. But I promise “to make it entertaining and engaging” - so to speak. But on another forum thread - chiefly devoted to the topic.

Surprisingly, Dave saves the most devastating argument for #55 where he points out sola Scriptura’s Achilles’ heel: the doctrine is not explicitly found in Scripture. Therefore you need an outside authority to confirm the doctrine, which in turn violates its very principle. To say it another way, sola Scriptura cannot be proved by Scripture alone.

Nevertheless, collectively, these 100 arguments build an airtight case against sola Scriptura which should trouble any Protestant. After all, it only takes one to topple the whole sola Scriptura tower.

Perhaps if you opened up a topic thread…I might stop by and sit a spell. And we can ponder such questions…like why did God allow the RC and EO churches…to continue in “error” for 1500 years…until the Protestants “uncovered the truth”. But - more importantly - how important is this topic to YOU? Enough to open another thread on it? To continue it here, is equivalent to someone starting a duel - at Chuck E. Cheese’s.

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”-- Paulo Coelho

As much as I don’t understand Randy’s humor, I am with him on this one. That is, Sola Scriptura is faulty, in my opinion just as those who believe it think those who do not, are faulty.

So it is very difficult to harmonize Christianity with a different set of presuppositions.

As for the ZA, I find it highly inprobable on scientific grounds. But, something more mild like a parasitic species invading our brain and causing animalistic violent behavior is not so far out there, nor would a chemical type labotomy. We are starting to understand the brain enough to know where certain behaviors stem from and how they interact and feed off each other. The brain is actually not one unit but 6-8 (memory may be off hence thecase6-8) units each with their own say in the matter governed by one unit that can theoretically override the others. Though this part if the brain seems to do a poor job, as you witness nearly everyone addicted to something, wether it be drugs, sex, gambling, assault, rage, hate, video games. Many do not feel morally wrong by their addiction because it isn’t on the taboo list. Some people cannot function without caffeine, and prescriptions drugs from adhf, depression, etc, do not differently from their street counterparts asside from being “prescribed”… Eye opening if you study it without confirmation bias.

BTW, the above is not to make anyone feel guilty, for I doubt they would anyway, just saying we have lots of hypocrisy on the matter from the religious the non religious alike.

Brothers and sisters, I have had these musings lately while reading the scriptures and studying the history of the church. I’m not sure why I am posting them here. I guess I feel it would be better to discuss them in a community rather than holding onto them within myself.
Sometimes I think that the scriptures are like the parables, or are supposed to be confusing and seemingly contradictory, so that we must learn to rely on the Holy Spirit rather than our own mind and traditions in learning …

We’ve had threads dealing with sola scriptura, you might want to read through, say, this one and then pick up the conversation there?

If this is important to Chad, then he can resurrect it. And I always posed these questions - for non-orthodox positions discussed here:

Is the winner the one who has the “best” argument?

And if so, WHAT is the “criteria” for judgment and WHO is the jury.?

If one wishes to embrace Sola Scripturea…and come up with a view, that VERY FEW agree with - or buy into…So be it. And if turns out to be “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth”… then God has made, a colossal failure to communicate.

At the end of the day, it’s a matter of faith. Either in something established or an RYO (roll your own) brand of theology.

But when tragedy comes knocking. Or disease or death comes to visit. That’s the TRUE test, of our theology and philosophy.